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Word to Kindle Formatting Magic: Self-Publishing on Amazon with Style
Learn how to format and self-publish an eBook for Kindle devices and reading apps by experienced self-publishing guru Chris McMullen. This guide will show you step-by-step how to format a Word document on Windows in order to control hidden formatting in a way that results in a friendly conversion to Kindle. You will also learn how to go a quick step beyond Word to make subtle improvements, such as how to display pictures full-width on any size screen and how to use a media query to create drop caps that work well on any device. Take the mystery out of self-publishing and add a little magic to your eBook. This handy reference includes several indispensable features that will help you on your self-publishing journey:
Discussions of eBook design and typography are accompanied by pictures to show you the issues visually.
A detailed chapter describes how to format pictures, including size, aspect ratio, format, reading backgrounds, different display sizes, and their impact on eBook design.
Recommended settings for Word’s paragraph styles and HTML style definitions are provided for several common types of eBook paragraphs and headings.
A comprehensive troubleshooting section describes several common formatting issues and solutions.
Proofreading, editing, and formatting checklists will help you preview your eBook carefully.
Appendix A lists every symbol that is fully supported across all devices.
Appendix B includes a hands-on tutorial to master Word’s paragraph styles.
Appendix C provides a sample short eBook, showing you Word’s styles and the full HTML.
Find valuable advice for keywords, categories, cover design, and other aspects of the publishing process.
A thorough marketing checklist will help you succeed as an authorpreneur in the business of writing.
Learn about sales rank, customer reviews, giveaways, promotional pricing, piracy, and more.
This 2018 guide to formatting and self-publishing your eBook with Amazon includes up-to-date information, such as how to add X-Ray after you publish, the latest version of the downloadable previewer (with Auto-Advance and a Thumbnail Pane), and recent changes (like the removal of the 127 KB limit for GIF images).
- GenresNonfiction
522 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2018
54 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Chris McMullen
181 books323 followersDr. Chris McMullen has over 20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Dr. McMullen is also an author of math and science books. Whether in the classroom or as a writer, Dr. McMullen loves sharing knowledge and the art of motivating and engaging students.
Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance.
Dr. McMullen is well-known for:
• engaging students in challenging ideas through creativity
• breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps
• providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues
• his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics
• helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics workbooks.
Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, using his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts.
Dr. McMullen first published The Visual Guide to Extra Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, to share his passion for the geometry and physics of the fourth dimension. Dr. McMullen has coauthored a half-dozen articles on current and future collider searches for large extra dimensions.
In addition to writing and teaching, Dr. McMullen enjoys Scrabble, golf, and chess.
Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance.
Dr. McMullen is well-known for:
• engaging students in challenging ideas through creativity
• breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps
• providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues
• his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics
• helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics workbooks.
Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, using his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts.
Dr. McMullen first published The Visual Guide to Extra Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, to share his passion for the geometry and physics of the fourth dimension. Dr. McMullen has coauthored a half-dozen articles on current and future collider searches for large extra dimensions.
In addition to writing and teaching, Dr. McMullen enjoys Scrabble, golf, and chess.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 21, 2018
Wow, I always wanted to write the worlds greatest book. However, after Chris showed me how much work and detail needed to self-publish a book, I will not every write it. However if you want to self-publish a book, for print, ebook or on Amazon, you will need this book. It's very detailed showing you how, correct errors, and even how to advertise the book. You will need very good English, math and patience. You may have some widows and orphan's, but that's OK with Amazon.
May 9, 2018
Very informative and helpful. Highly recommended
June 8, 2025
I want to thank Chris McMullen, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook copy of Word to Kindle Formatting Magic: Self-Publishing on Amazon with Style that I won in the Giveaway.
Word to Kindle Formatting Magic: Self-Publishing on Amazon with Style starts with giving an overview of what the book contains and then presents all aspects of formatting from a word document to the format for Amazon. The index contains chapters with sub-titles for specific topics of interest so it is a great reference book to address specific problems. It gives examples and shows how to make the formatting work to put pictures into books and makes good suggestions too for alternative ways to make your eBook look great in the Amazon formatting.
I think this is the best formatting book I have read. I also think that there is a need for this type of information to reach all publisher of eBooks, especially picture books. Recently I have downloaded children's books with pictures and they will only load into my new Kindle Fire but not my older Kindle Fire or the program on the computer to read eBooks. This limits my use of the book with children, as we use a projection system in the classroom from our computer to share eBooks with the preschool class. The system will not work with a Kindle so it is important that books can be seen in the variety of formats and on various devices.
Word to Kindle Formatting Magic: Self-Publishing on Amazon with Style starts with giving an overview of what the book contains and then presents all aspects of formatting from a word document to the format for Amazon. The index contains chapters with sub-titles for specific topics of interest so it is a great reference book to address specific problems. It gives examples and shows how to make the formatting work to put pictures into books and makes good suggestions too for alternative ways to make your eBook look great in the Amazon formatting.
I think this is the best formatting book I have read. I also think that there is a need for this type of information to reach all publisher of eBooks, especially picture books. Recently I have downloaded children's books with pictures and they will only load into my new Kindle Fire but not my older Kindle Fire or the program on the computer to read eBooks. This limits my use of the book with children, as we use a projection system in the classroom from our computer to share eBooks with the preschool class. The system will not work with a Kindle so it is important that books can be seen in the variety of formats and on various devices.
April 30, 2018
Word to Kindle Formatting Magic: Self-Publishing on Amazon with Style by Chris McMullen is a very detailed book on formatting particular for Amazon. It is easy to understand and very informative. It is the little changes that make the style as well as gives you the ability to self-publish. There are a lot of details that are important that Chris McMullen helps to make simpler.
I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.
I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.
April 12, 2018
Wow! This eBook exceeded my expectations. It is an extremely comprehensive and easy to follow manual for just about everything you would need to know about not only formatting for Kindle books but also marketing and a host of other topics. I'm not a Kindle author but reading this inspired me to consider it (and/or push some family members to finish their manuscripts so I can help them with it). I received this book for free in a Goodreads Giveaway and would recommend it to any aspiring Kindle authors, not to mention current Kindle authors who should revise their books to be more readable. The eBook is also available for Kindle Unlimited but the content is so valuable, I am glad to own a copy to be able to refer it to if needed. I could see how authors who aren't that comfortable with technology would find the hard copy version valuable as a reference book.
Years ago, I worked as an "eBook editorial assistant" for K-12 lesson plan books that were intended to be read via PDF copy or printed out. I can tell you that the formatting and editing needed for Kindle books today is much more extensive than what I had to do for these early eBooks. The author uses his extensive experience from publishing his own books and extra materials he developed to create this step-by-step guide for others to follow. Highly recommend...
Years ago, I worked as an "eBook editorial assistant" for K-12 lesson plan books that were intended to be read via PDF copy or printed out. I can tell you that the formatting and editing needed for Kindle books today is much more extensive than what I had to do for these early eBooks. The author uses his extensive experience from publishing his own books and extra materials he developed to create this step-by-step guide for others to follow. Highly recommend...
August 3, 2020
This is an excellent book if you're into Microsoft Word and Kindle Digital Publishing. This books explains in detail how to learn (or hone) your Word Style settings. All the settings are explained for every type of paragraph you may possibly use for your eBook. There is even a brief hands-on tutorial at the end of the book to help you get started if you've never used Microsoft Word styles before. While it's not necessarily a Word manual, I did pick up a few tips for improving my Word skills. This book will teach you why Microsoft Word is the best word processor! And, why you may publish the best edition of your eBook in Kindle Digital Publishing using Word.
June 29, 2018
I some what liked the book. I won this book through a giveaway on goodreads website.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews